Device and method for harvesting and implanting follicular units

Abstract

Device and method for harvesting and implanting hair follicular units is provided. A combined harvesting and implanting tool or tool assembly provides a harvesting cannula portion detachably coupled to an implanting cannula portion. The harvesting and implanting cannula portions may be coupled by a connector that could be designed to allow for multiple uses of the tool assembly, or alternatively may be designed for single use and rendered non-functional when the implanting cannula portion of the tool is separated from the harvesting cannula portion of the tool.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A tool for harvesting and implanting a hair follicular unit, comprising:
 a two part cannula assembly including 1) a harvesting cannula comprising an open distal end configured to be positioned over and encapsulate a follicular unit and a proximal end, and 2) an implanting cannula comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the implanting cannula configured to implant the follicular unit, the assembly configured to facilitate an unobstructed movement of a harvested follicular unit from a lumen of the harvesting cannula into an unobstructed lumen of the implanting cannula when the proximal end of the harvesting cannula is coupled end-to-end to the distal end of the implanting cannula, 
 wherein the harvesting cannula is detachably coupled to the implanting cannula, and upon detachment from the harvesting cannula, the distal end of the implanting cannula has a sharp cutting edge for piercing body tissue. 
 
     
     
       2. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the harvesting cannula is coupled to the implanting cannula by a connector. 
     
     
       3. The tool of  claim 2 , wherein the connector comprises a sleeve coupled to the proximal end of the harvesting cannula. 
     
     
       4. The tool of  claim 3 , wherein the distal end of the implanting cannula is detachably retained within the sleeve by a frictional interference fit. 
     
     
       5. The tool of  claim 3 , wherein the sleeve is configured to provide for reattachment of a same or different implanting cannula to the harvesting cannula after an initial detachment of the implanting cannula. 
     
     
       6. The tool of  claim 2 , wherein detachment of the implanting cannula from the harvesting cannula renders the connector unfit for reattachment of a same or different implanting cannula to the harvesting cannula. 
     
     
       7. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the harvesting cannula and implanting cannula are formed out of a single tubular member. 
     
     
       8. The tool of  claim 7 , wherein the harvesting cannula is coupled to the implanting cannula by a perforation in the tubular member located at a junction between the proximal end of the harvesting cannula and the distal end of the implanting cannula. 
     
     
       9. The tool of  claim 1 , configured such that detachment of the implanting cannula from the harvesting cannula renders one or both of the implanting and harvesting cannulas unfit for reuse. 
     
     
       10. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the harvesting cannula and the implanting cannula are coupled to a spring actuation device. 
     
     
       11. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the tool is configured such that the harvesting cannula and the implanting cannula move together as a single unit during harvesting of the follicular unit. 
     
     
       12. The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a physical displacement mechanism configured to move the harvested follicular unit to the implanting cannula. 
     
     
       13. The tool of  claim 12 , wherein the physical displacement mechanism comprises a suction mechanism or an obturator. 
     
     
       14. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein coupling end-to-end comprises aligning the proximal end of the harvesting cannula adjacent the distal end of the implanting cannula. 
     
     
       15. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein operation of at least one of the harvesting cannula and the implanting cannula is computer controlled. 
     
     
       16. The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising an alignment mechanism configured to facilitate alignment end-to-end of the harvesting and implanting cannulas. 
     
     
       17. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein movement of one or both of the harvesting and implanting cannulas is provided by one or more of mechanical, electro-mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or magnetic mechanism. 
     
     
       18. The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the tool is incorporated into a substantially automated system or a robotic system comprising a moveable arm.